Batch processing with interval graph compatibilities between tasks

We analyze batch-scheduling problems that arise in connection with certain industrial applications. The models concern processing on a single max-batch machine with the additional feature that the tasks of the same batch have to be compatible. Compatibility is a symmetric binary relation—the compatible pairs are described with an undirected “compatibility graph”, which is often an interval graph according to some natural practical conditions that we present. We consider several models with varying batch capacities, processing times or compatibility graphs. We summarize known results, and present a min-max formula and polynomial time algorithms.     

Approximations and auctions for scheduling batches on related machines

We consider the scheduling of groups of identical jobs on related machines with sequence independent setup times. We provide a 2-approximation algorithm for minimizing the makespan. The second result is a truthful, polynomial time, randomized mechanism for the batch scheduling problem with a deterministic approximation guarantee of 4.     

Clique partitioning with value-monotone submodular cost

We consider the problem of partitioning a graph into cliques of bounded cardinality. The goal is to find a partition that minimizes the sum of clique costs where the cost of a clique is given by a set function on the nodes. We present a general algorithmic solution based on solving the problem variant without the cardinality constraint. We obtain constant factor approximations depending on the solvability of this relaxation for a large class of submodular cost functions which we call value-monotone submodular functions. For special graph classes we give optimal algorithms.